She didnt know that the final three swats really were the final ones until it happened. Another minute and she would have been howling, but suddenly she was being lifted to her feet and helped to replace her clothing. But once again he was silent, so once again it was up to her.

  Now now I ask to do my wifely duty, she whispered, wiping furtively at the tears to get rid of them before he really noticed. As soon as youre ready, of course.

  Of course, he echoed, his voice oddly empty. Why dont you wait for me in bed.

  She nodded to acknowledge his instructions, then went back to the bedchamber. Her seat was hot and throbbing with the short but effective punishment hed given, and she had to fight hard not to limp. But the thought of waiting for him in bed inflamed her more, since she wasnt likely to have him many times again.

  She meant to remember and treasure his touch for as long as life remained to her, and even looked

  forward to his presence on the other side of the bed.

  She lay waiting for him for a very long time before she finally had to admit that he wasnt coming. He was being as kind as possible to her, but kindness, it seemed, also had its limits. He obviously no longer wanted to touch her even as a passing amusement, which was perfectly understandable. But only to her conscious mind, which her following dreams more than proved. He wanted nothing more to do with her, and she was helpless to change that

  Derand waited until the bedchamber door closed behind the girl, and then he leaned forward and buried his face in his hands. Women were more than fortunate in that they were allowed to cry, while men had to be strong and forego the sometimes necessary release. It had killed him to see the girl stick so scrupulously and honorably to the deal theyd made, refusing to back down even when it had been more than clear that she still ached from the last spanking. He hadnt been able to insult her by refusing to do his own part, but as for the rest of it

  I want to make love to her so badly I may break, he whispered to the empty silence all around. But how can I touch her when I know shes only keeping up her end of the bargain? I want her to want my lovemaking, not simply accept it because shes given her word. But she doesnt want it, and Ive lost the stomach for taking what isnt freely given. Id rather do without.

  Which was easy enough to say, but not quite as easily accomplished. He sat wishing things were otherwise for a very long time, so long that when he went into the bedchamber he found the girl asleep.

  Nothing else had changed, of course, not even his raging desire, but at least hed have one thing: the girl who used to be Seea sleeping on the other side of the bed. It was little enough to ask of her, since hed never again be asking anything else.

  Princess Brat

  Chapter 7

  copyright 1999, 2002 by Sharon Green

  Elissia awoke early the next morning, so early that it wasnt quite light out yet. At first she thought that the man hadnt come to bed at all, but the other side of the bed was more rumpled than it had been. So hed been to bed and was now up again, hopefully for a good reason. If his men had finally gotten back, theyd have some idea of what lay ahead of them. If they hadnt gotten back, she and the man could very well find themselves riding into the waiting arms of Waystens men. But they still had to go, and hopefully prove themselves to be more capable than anything Waysten decided to put in their way.

  Sitting up showed Elissia that her bottom was still tender, but it was nothing she couldnt deal with. So she sat for a moment with her face in her hands, trying to decide if the idea that had come to her when she woke had any merit to it. That man and his kindness He hadnt been happy last night, and for a change the fault was all hers. He so obviously pitied her that she almost couldnt stand it, and apparently he was in the same position. She had to do something to get rid of that pity, if for no other reason than to take the load off his back.

  So the idea had come that she could go back to treating him the way she had when this whole mess had first started. That would certainly get rid of the pity, and might even make him add to the memories she already had of him. Something like that would be worth any price to her, but she knew shed be wise not

  counting on it happening. That way if it didnt, the disappointment would be less than crippling.

  But not much less, she muttered as she got out of bed and went over to her clothes. The more time that passed, the more she wanted that man. She had no idea what hed done to her to make her feel that way, but as long as she did she might as well see what could be done to take care of it. After all, he was the one who had started the whole thing

  After dressing she lit a lamp, then washed as best she could in the rooms basin. It almost felt as though it were winter, when people bathed as infrequently as they could get away with. It was odd to do the same during nice weather, especially with that pretty stream so close. It would have been nice to go back to it one more time, but not seeing it again would be a small loss compared to the rest.

  Elissia quickly pushed those thoughts away as she dried herself, then she went toward the front room.

  Her hair needed brushing really badly, something she could see to once she found out who the man was talking to. Shed noticed the sound of soft voices, so there was every hope that his men really had come back.

  And it proved to be so. She opened the door to find two strangers sitting at the table, and when they saw her they got to their feet.

  Good, youre already awake, the man said as he also stood. We now have everything we need to continue on, including a description of whats going on in the city. If youll join us, Ill tell you what Ive learned so far.

  Ill be there as soon as I get my hairbrush, Elissia said with a nod, walking toward her saddlebags.

  To save time, why dont you start telling me about it right now.

  All right, he said agreeably as she bent to the saddlebags. Heres the situation: Gardal is definitely not being kept on a farm. A group of my people called on the farmers one at a time, and didnt leave again until they were convinced theyd learned everything the people on the farm knew. One or two of the farmers were frightened into claiming they knew something they really didnt, but my people checked carefully and discovered the lies for what they were. We now know for certain that we have to go into the city.

  Well, we assumed that that would be the case, Elissia said as she brought the hairbrush to the table with her. What about the city itself? Are there extra patrols, official or unofficial? Are there too many loungers on main street corners? Are the gate guards checking everyone and everything coming in very carefully, or have they gone back to being their usual sloppy selves?

  The gate guards are pretending to be sloppy, but they arent really, one of the two men said as they all sat down again. Elissia had claimed the fourth chair at the table, but unfortunately it wasnt the one with the cushion. They pass the people they recognize without too much fuss, but strangers are looked at long and hard behind lazy excuses of checking for contraband. They dont say what sort of contraband theyre looking for even if someone asks, but Im willing to bet its black leather and armor they most want to find.

  That comment made Elissia realize that the two men were dressed in ordinary clothing, nothing like what the High Kings bodyguard usually wore. It was comforting to realize that the people around her werent complete children when it came to playing a role, and then the second man took his turn reporting.

  There are extra guard patrols out, supposedly looking for information about whoever kidnapped an

  important visitor to the city, he said as he scratched at his cheek. As strangers we were stopped and questioned, but since we hadnt heard about any kidnapping and immediately asked for details we were sent on our way. Asking around let us find out that no one who lives and works in the city is being bothered, but the search patrols are still acting as if theyre doing a thorough job.

  Acting is the right word, Elissia said with a sound of scorn, struggling to get the knots out of her hair with the least amount of pain. So did you notice anything suspicious that no one in the area would talk about?

  Actually, we did, the second man admitted after exchanging a glance with the first. It was in a fairly busy part of the city, with a lot of people moving around the streets. Some of those people were supposed to look like lazy louts just standing around, but Ive never seen louts who were so careful to examine anyone who came by. If we werent given strict orders not to try anything on our own under any circumstances, we would have had a look inside the building the louts were lounging in front of.

  And then you would have been in Waystens hands, the man said to him after exchanging his own glance with Elissia. And that was when the confusion in her thoughts told her that she had to think of something else to call the man. He wasnt the only man around any longer, so shed have to think of something fast.

  Then it came to her that the best thing she could do was think of him as the savage again. It would match the way she planned to act with him

  Were not that clumsy at getting into places unseen, the first man protested uncomfortably. If wed had a look in that building, we could either have eliminated it or known for certain where Prince Gardal is being held.

  No, you would have been captured, Elissia assured him before the savage could add to what hed said earlier. It was certainly one of Waystens traps, trying to lure in anyone who happened to be looking for my brother. You would have found it easy to get in, but they would have taken you before you were able to get out again. And then they would have questioned you about why you were there, and the pain they gave would have eventually made you talk or die.

  And if you did talk, they would have known what my plans were, the savage added with a solemn nod.

  You dont know them in detail yourselves, but you know what you were sent to get and that would have given them the necessary clues as to what to look for. Are you absolutely certain that no one knows about what you bought?

  We made certain, the second man agreed with a nod. Listore here did some very obvious sneaking around to draw off anyone who might be watching us, and thats when I bought the items. When I had it all we both did some sneaking around, and then tried to sell the jewels we had with us. Once they knew our intentions were dishonest, they stopped watching us.

  And we even got a decent price for the jewels, the man Listore said with a grin. Amis was sure they would try to skin us because we were strangers to the city, but they seem to believe in encouraging new business. They told us to come back again the next time we found something worth selling.

  Thats an in well be able to use later, once Im established in the city, the savage said with an approving nod. Were fairly certain that the criminal element in the city is involved in the kidnapping, and theyre also probably holding the prince somewhere. Well pull all the strings together at the right time, but at the moment we have to get started with the first part of the plan. If youll bring in your purchases, you can go back to camp for breakfast before we leave this area.

  The two men rose to their feet at once, bowed to their king, then went out to comply with his orders.

  Ten heartbeats later they were back with a number of paper-wrapped bundles, which they put on the floor next to Elissias saddlebags. After another bow they left again, this time closing the door behind themselves.

  Our breakfast should be brought in just a few minutes, the savage said as he rose and walked to the bundles. After that Ill get into my disguise, and we can go to inspect our new house. One of the things those two bought was a house in the city.

  Youve decided to settle down in Ramsond? Elissia asked with brows high. And where did you get the gold to do all that buying?

  I borrowed it from your father before I left, he answered, standing over the bundles without making any effort to look inside them. The same goes for the jewels those two sold in the city, and happily we have more for them to do the same again. As for the house, it took no effort to realize that every inn and hostel in the city would be carefully watched by Waystens people. My buying a house ought to catch them off guard, which in turn ought to let us do what we have to before they find out were anywhere around.

  Arent you going to open those things up to see if everythings there? Elissia asked when he simply turned back to the table. And what about my own disguise? Did you have them get anything for me as well?

  Your disguise as a boy will do really well along with what my own will be, he answered, making no effort to go back to the bundles or even to look at them again. As for checking to see that everythings there, I dont have to. If they hadnt been able to get one or more of the things I needed, they would have said so.

  Elissia tried to think of a reason other than her burning curiosity as to why the bundles should be opened right now, but before any ideas came there was a knock at the door.

  That should be our breakfast along with fresh tea, the savage said after calling out permission to come in.

  An instant later his guess proved true, and two bowls of porridge along with a skin of tea were brought in by two men who were dressed in black leather and armor. They glanced at Elissia as they delivered their burdens to the table, bowed to the savage and herself, then left as silently as theyd arrived.

  You can finish brushing your hair while the porridge cools off a bit, the savage said once they were alone again. And Im glad to see you had the sense to bring a plain hairbrush. If it had been covered with jewels or precious metal, it would have had to go in with the loot my men will bring into the city.

  If I left the palace as a boy, why would I bring things with me that told anyone looking that I was a girl?

  Elissia asked with a sound of scorn after glancing at the plain wooden hairbrush. At least I know how to think, unlike those two you sent to the city. You do know how close they came to being taken, dont you?

  But they werent taken, because they obeyed orders, the savage pointed out as he watched her finally finish up with her hair. If theyd decided they knew better than the man giving them their orders, they would have regretted the decision for as long as they lived which probably wouldnt have been very long at all. Theres a lesson in that that everyone can benefit from.

  Only if you happen to be male, Elissia disagreed as she put the hairbrush aside and reached for the skin of tea. Most men arent capable of thinking for themselves, but that doesnt apply to certain women. Since Ill be seeing your disguise for myself in a just a little while, why dont you take a chance and tell me about it now? Ill even promise not to pass the information on to Waysten if you like.

  If Elissia hadnt been watching the savage even as she lifted the skin to drink, she probably would have missed the flush of embarrassment briefly coloring his skin. He also stayed silent for a time, then he shook his head with a sigh.

  Yes, telling you about it now is probably the best thing I can do, he granted her, still looking extremely unhappy. That way you might survive actually seeing me in the disguise, which isnt guaranteed to happen if you let your sense of humor run away with you. If Gardals life werent at stake Id never do anything like this, but as it is

  Elissia put the skin of tea aside and pulled her bowl of porridge closer, making no effort to prod the savage into adding to what hed already said. He really did seem to hate what he was about to do, which made Elissia burn to know what it was. But shed learned better than to push at someone who was reluctant to speak of a certain something. Listening quietly instead usually brought positive results more quickly.

  All right, as I said I might as well tell you, the savage finally continued, obviously forcing himself to speak. Youll be going into the city as a boy, and Ill be going in as your mother.

  As my what? Elissia couldnt help demanding, having almost choked on the taste of porridge shed taken.

  You didnt really say as my mother?

  Theres nothing else I can do to disguise myself, the savage said, the flush on his tanned cheeks now more obvious. The gate guards will be watching for a big man with or without leather and armor, but not for a big woman whos no longer young. My men also found an old buggy at one of the farms and bought it, and thats what well enter the city in. You, of course, will be driving.

  Because Ill be your son, Elissia said with a nod before stuffing her mouth with porridge. It was the only way to keep herself from laughing out loud, a reaction which would certainly get her killed. The savage, dressed like a woman

  Elissia shook her head as she concentrated on her food. Shed wanted something to stop the savage from pitying her, and now he was the one who had provided that something. Talking about what hed be wearing would not be the same as seeing it, and there were any number of ways to let someone know what you happen to be thinking besides laughing out loud

  Breakfast seemed to take a very long time to be over, and Elissia couldnt help but notice that for once she finished first. But when she sat back with the tea the savage noticed the same, and quickly finished what was in his bowl.

  I never thought that getting dressed would ever take more courage than riding into battle, the man muttered as he got to his feet. But putting it off any longer is stupid, so Im getting to it right now. Dont forget to put on your cap when were ready to leave.

  Elissia raised her brows at the reminder, and once the savage had taken the bundles into the bedchamber and closed the door, she went searching for the cap. She hadnt seen it since shed been made to take it off, but it turned up tucked into one of her saddlebags beneath the cushion. She pulled it out and then put the hairbrush away in the other bag where it belonged, along with the rest of her clean clothing. The worn outfit had also been put in the other bag, so she had nothing else to do but wait. The savage had done her packing for her, and now she was ready to leave.

  Despite the brave words hed spoken, it took a very long time before the savage opened the door to the

  bedchamber and came out. Elissia had thought she was braced against anything she might see, but one look made her turn away to keep from choking out where it would be noticed. The man now wore a dress in godawful green, one that clearly had had padding added underneath. The woman in the dress was fat as well as tall, and her bosom matched the rest of her. Beneath the hem of the long dress it was possible to see a pair of brown work boots, old and scuffed but extremely stylish when considered along with the dress.

 

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